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Compare Prevalite vs. Bentyl

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Cholestyramine (Prevalite) and dicyclomine (Bentyl) are both prescription medications, but they serve different purposes and belong to different drug classes. Cholestyramine is a bile acid sequestrant used to lower cholesterol and treat itching caused by bile duct blockage. It comes in a powder form that you mix with a liquid before taking. On the other hand, dicyclomine is an anticholinergic medication used to treat muscle spasms in the stomach and intestines for people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Dicyclomine is available in tablets, capsules, and liquid forms, and it is taken four times a day. While cholestyramine can cause constipation and stomach discomfort, dicyclomine commonly causes dizziness, dry mouth, and blurry vision. Additionally, dicyclomine can affect your ability to think and react, so you should avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you. Cholestyramine requires careful timing with other medications to avoid absorption issues, whereas dicyclomine has specific contraindications, such as not being suitable for people with certain gut problems or those who are breastfeeding.

  • Cholestyramine (Prevalite)
    Dicyclomine
  • Cholestyramine (Prevalite)
    Dicyclomine

  • Summary of Prevalite vs. Bentyl

    Summary for Bile acid sequestrant
    Prescription only

    Cholestyramine (Prevalite) is used to help lower cholesterol. It can also be used to treat itching caused by bile duct blockage. The medication can cause stomach-related side effects, like constipation, gas, and stomach discomfort.

    Summary for Anticholinergic
    Prescription only

    Dicyclomine, also known by its brand name Bentyl, is an anticholinergic medication that's used to treat spasms of the muscles in the stomach and intestines in adults with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This medication is available as generic tablets, capsules, and liquid that are taken by mouth four times daily. There's also an injection form of dicyclomine that's available as brand name and generic; it's injected into the muscle for people who can't take pills by mouth. Common side effects include dizziness, dry mouth, and blurry vision.

  • Indications of Prevalite vs. Bentyl

    Indications for
    •High cholesterol (in combination with diet)
    •Itching caused by bile duct blockage
    Indications for
    •Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

  • Pros and Cons of Prevalite vs. Bentyl

    Pros and Const for Bile acid sequestrant
    Pros
    •Can help lower cholesterol in people who haven't been able to lower it with diet or exercise
    •Available as an easy-to-use powder formulation that can be mixed with soups, applesauce, crushed pineapple, or pureed fruit
    •Available as a lower-cost, generic medication
    Cons
    •Can make you feel constipated
    •Need to get your blood checked frequently during the first few months of treatment and periodically thereafter
    •Doesn't lower cholesterol as well as other drugs like statins
    •Can cause tooth discoloration or tooth decay
    •May need to take vitamins A, D, E, K, folic acid, or iron if you're taking this medication for a long time
    •Might not be a good option if you have a blockage in your stomach or intestines
    Pros and Const for Anticholinergic
    Pros
    •Typically taken by mouth
    •Available as an oral liquid that's taken by mouth; good option for people who can't swallow tablets
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Taken 4 times per day
    •Older adults are more likely to have side effects from the medication
    •Might not be recommended for people with kidney or liver problems
    •Can't take if you're breastfeeding because of potentially serious harm to infants

  • Common Side Effects of Prevalite vs. Bentyl

    Common Side Effects for
    •Mild constipation
    •Stomach discomfort
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Diarrhea
    •Bloating or gas
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (40%)
    •Dry mouth (33%)
    •Blurred vision (27%)
    •Nausea (14%)

  • Warnings of Prevalite vs. Bentyl

    Common Side Effects for
    •BOWEL OBSTRUCTION OR BLOCKAGE
    •GREATER RISK OF BLEEDING
    •CONSTIPATION
    •TEETH PROBLEMS
    •INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER MEDICATIONS
    •LOW FOLIC ACID LEVELS
    •VITAMIN INTERACTIONS
    •PHENYLKETONURIA (PKU)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Faster heart rate (caution in people with heart conditions)
    •Changes in mood, thoughts, or behaviors
    •Changes to bodily functions
    •Muscle weakness (caution in people with myasthenia gravis)
    •Strong caution in people with certain gut problems
    •Trouble urinating (caution in people with prostate problems)

  • Prices with our coupons for Prevalite vs. Bentyl

    Learn more about Cholestyramine
    Learn more about Dicyclomine

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